Chapter 44

It was Friday when Owen was discharged. Insurance didn't cover jackshit outside of work so he had to pay out of his own pockets. Suffice to say, his bank account was close to net zero. forced to spend his savings on top of his chequing account.

Masafumi also left even though the hospital told him to stay for another day. He couldn't, or rather, wouldn't because of his roommate in Chicago. He didn't want her to worry.

Owen understood. Roommate or girlfriend, if someone heard their partner meant to the hospital and got surgery, then concern and fear was the first instinct. Ophelia was a bit past that; concerned, not afraid, and clingy in a loving way.

"Ghosts, ghosts…" Walking through the halls of the hospital, Ophelia scowled and eyed every passing human. All of them were subjected to a tough stare. She was directly beside him, practically dragging his arm. He could walk just fine. Unfortunately, Ophelia didn't believe him.

Isabella was two steps behind. From the elevator to the exit, she was closeby and always lingering. As soon as he tasted fresh air, Isabella tugged at his sleeve and said, "Let's get some bubble tea."

He was shocked and was about to protest. But before he could, Ophelia smiled and agreed. "Yeah, let's do it."

"But…"

No protest, no nothing. He was shoved into a taxi and taken to the mall without another word. He was sandwiched between the two eager women. They were smaller than him and yet he felt like he could do nothing.

They arrived at the mall and Owen found himself seated at a quaint bubble tea café, surrounded by his two girlfriends, the lively chatter of shoppers, and the enticing aroma of freshly brewed teas. 

"You should order this one!"

"Don't," Isabella said. "I hear lychee smoothies form worms in your stomach."

Ophelia did a double-take. "I know you're joking but that is seriously disgusting."

"Who said I'm joking?"

In the end, Owen chose coconut milk tea while Ophelia went for a strawberry milk tea and Isabella chose a cappuccino milkshake with waffles.

When the server arrived with their drinks (and for Isabella, her waffles), Owen took a sip of his, savoring the rich, creamy flavor as the chewy tapioca pearls burst in his mouth. He couldn't help but feel a sense of relaxation wash over him, the stresses of the day fading away with each sip. 

And then he remembered the cost of it all and winced.

Isabella went ahead and ate her nutella waffles with a fancy fork technique. Ophelia pouted. "Can I have some?"

"No."

"I—" Owen cut himself off. He was about to buy it for her. 

'Dammit, stop being such an impulsive buyer!'

"No need to worry about the cost." Isabella flashed Owen a smile. A bit of chocolate ran down her chin which she lapped up with her tongue. "This morning, I got accepted into the monetization program."

"Wait…what?"

"It's going to be the twenty-first tomorrow so we should be getting paid for everything we've done," Isabella explained. "So about six hundred dollars."

Huh?

Huh.

That was…that was…wow. Owen slumped in his chair and laughed. That was just enough to stay afloat. Paying for both his and Masafumi's surgery and hospital stay cost his whole savings, everything he built up during his late teens. With this, he was back with a small semblance of peace. 

A peace that was interrupted by the big grin on Ophelia's face. She had a surprise planned and ten minutes later Owen came to learn that surprise was in the form of a men's clothing store. Owen ended up holding several coat racks of clothing, blinking, the change room directly behind him. Ophelia's eyes sparkled with excitement, and she clapped her hands together. "Oh, this is going to be so much fun! I can't wait to see you in some new outfits, Owen!"

Isabella nodded in agreement.

"Err…" He was a little nervous about the price tag but if they were so insistent, then sure.

The first outfit they selected for Owen was a sleek blazer paired with tailored trousers and a crisp white shirt. When Owen came out with the outfit, Ophelia's excitement only grew. "Oh, you look fantastic! Definitely a winner."

Isabella examined the ensemble thoughtfully. No verbal response other than a nod.

Next, they handed him a more casual ensemble—a graphic tee of the kpop band, Rose Queens, paired with distressed jeans and a dark blue denim jacket. 

Ophelia clapped her hands in delight. "Wow, so effortlessly cool!"

"Rose Queens, huh?" Isabella stared at the dark pink letters against a black background. The iconic cursive font of the Rose Queens brand spelled out "Roses Reign Supreme" in such a way that it made it hard to read. Despite that, anyone well-versed in music would recognize their stylish font.

Owen looked down, then back up at Isabella. He knew what she was thinking and he knew why she picked this specific shirt. He was happy she was so considerate. 

Finally, they presented him with a bolder option—a yellow-green Hawaiian t-shirt paired with fitted beige chinos and red-yellow statement sneakers. 

Ophelia's enthusiasm bubbled over as soon as he stepped out. "Love it, love it, love it! The goofier, the prettier!"

"You think so?" he asked sheepishly.

"I know so!"

Isabella silently went up to him and undid the top three buttons. Backing away, her eyes shone in approval and her eyes lingered on the tease of his chest. 

'Is this princess treatment?'

His thoughts and smiles were rudely interrupted by the tiny glances sent their way. Specifically, at Ophelia. Owen's smile waned ever so slightly. "Alright, I like this and the Rose Queen shirt a lot. Let's get them."

"Sure, sure!" Ophelia smiled and went to grab it. That was when he saw the small tremor in her hands. She was afraid. She didn't want to be here. She hated the public eye and the silent thoughts people had about her.

But for his sake, she pushed herself. Wearing something other than her onesie. Going outside and letting eyes linger on her. Isabella too. He should have noticed beforehand. They were trying to make him feel better in exchange for their own comfort. Ophelia who pushed past her insecurities and her agoraphobia. Isabella who had used up all her stamina and social batteries. Even talking to the waiters for their drinks took a toll. 

After buying the clothes, he escorted them out—or maybe it was them doing the escorting. What mattered was that through pain, they found each other and they found happiness. When they were in the taxi driving back home, he pulled the two of them into his chest. "Good job," he whispered.

Ophelia melted. Isabella closed her eyes, smiling.